Olympian Clara Hughes returns to Winnipeg to launch memoir

A Winnipeg bookstore was packed with fans of Clara Hughes as the Canadian Olympic medallist returned to her hometown to launch her memoir.

Hughes talked about her new book, Open Heart, Open Mind, and autographed copies at McNally Robinson Booksellers on Tuesday evening.

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The Winnipeg-born cyclist and speedskater, known as the only athlete in history to win multiple medals at both the Summer and Winter Olympics, writes of her struggles with mental health and the pressures of competing in professional sports.

These days, Hughes is the national spokesperson for Bell Canada's Let's Talk initiative and has made her story public to help create a better, more open dialogue for Canadians dealing with mental illness.

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"I think she's really used her gifts and her platform to be able to speak for people who can't speak," said Jan Ballingall Scotten, who attended the book launch.

Said Jordan Veale, "She's such a good ambassador for the city and for sport and for all the causes she supports."

Days before the book came out, Hughes revealed a doping infraction from early in her international cycling career during an interview with the CBC's Adrienne Arsenault.

Winnipeggers have expressed support for Hughes in the days after that revelation came to light, with some praising her decision to go public.